if no deal is reached -- tax increases and effect. president obama says the people need to be part of the fiscal cliff debate. and today, he's taking his message on the road. >> i believe that both parties can agree on a framework that does that in the coming weeks. in fact, my hope is to get this done before christmas. >> but republican lawmakers, question the president's decision to leave washington. >> in other words rather than sitting down with lawmakers of both parties and working out an agreement he is back on the campaign trail presumably with the same old talking points that we are all quite familiar with. >> mister obama assured the public he is doing his part. also sitting down with the c-e-o's and labor >> i am ready and able and willing and excited to go ahead and get this issue resolved in a bipartisan fashion so that american families and american businesses have some year. >> house speaker john boehner -- also remaining positive. >> republicans are committed t0continuing to work with the president to come to an agreeme